FAQs About Orthotics

Find out how shoe inserts could improve the way your feet function and feel.

Dealing with foot pain? Are you a weekend warrior pounding the pavement? Are you on your feet most of the day for work? There are many reasons why someone may benefit from orthotics, custom shoe inserts specially crafted from our Norfolk and Suffolk, VA, podiatrist Dr. Jesse Anderson at AAL Podiatry Associates. Have questions about orthotics? You've come to the right place.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that are crafted by our expert podiatric team at AAL Podiatry Associates to provide your feet with the corrective support they need to manage certain foot and ankle problems, as well as to prevent injuries and other issues from happening. Shoe inserts can range in type and material, depending on what you’re looking to correct or treat. All orthotics provide additional support, cushioning and even shock absorption.

Who can benefit from orthotics?

Orthotics can be a great option for patients of all ages. If you find that your condition or foot problem is making day-to-day activities painful or difficult then you may want to talk with our Norfolk, VA, podiatrist Dr. Anderson about whether orthotics could benefit you. For example, if you’ve been trying to avoid surgery but are looking for corrective treatments to help with bunion and hammertoe pain a simple orthotic may be all you need. Custom orthotics may ease symptoms of,

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Shin splints
• Knee pain
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Flat feet (fallen arches)
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Bursitis
• Metatarsalgia

These are only some of the issues that orthotics can correct or improve. Orthotics are also an option for all ages, from children to seniors.

What makes custom orthotics different from commercial shoe inserts?

This is a popular question. After all, custom orthotics cost more than the shoe inserts you find at your local drugstore. There’s a reason for that. Commercial shoe inserts aren’t tailor-made to the shape or size of your feet and they aren’t designed to treat the specific problems you are dealing with, but custom orthotics are.

Based on the condition or symptoms you are dealing with, a podiatrist can craft custom-made orthotics out of different materials to conform to your feet to alleviate pain, provide stability and cushioning, and more.

How long should I wear my orthotics?

Most people who get custom orthotics are dealing with chronic or recurring foot problems that need constant treatment and support. In this case, orthotics will be worn throughout the day whenever the person is standing or moving. With the proper care, orthotics can last years. Of course, it will also take a couple of weeks to get used to new orthotics.

Still have questions about orthotics? Want to find out whether you could benefit from them? Then call AAL Podiatry Associates in Norfolk or Suffolk, VA, at (757) 625-2962 or (757) 539-2098 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anderson.